In recent developments, Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for Defense Secretary, continues to face pushback regarding sexual misconduct allegations and controversial remarks concerning women in combat. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin supported women in military service during a speech at West Point. Meanwhile, the Heritage Foundation is mobilizing $1 million to influence Republican senators on Hegseth's nomination. The support for Hegseth remains tenuous as multiple GOP senators express concerns, particularly female senators, over previous statements regarding women's roles in the military and allegations of personal misconduct.